Ho, Ho, Hope For Youth

Christiansen has a trim waistline, short sandy-blonde hair and usually dresses in the blue of the Hollywood Police Department.

But it`s not a physical resemblance that has people comparing Christiansen to the jolly fat man. The similarity comes in Christiansen`s role as a benefactor to youths.

About a year and a half ago, Christiansen began toying with the idea of opening a facility where troubled teens could find an escape from their problems. Christiansen envisioned a place where kids could get involved in sports and recreation and not pay a dime for it.

As a veteran detective in the juvenile division of the HPD, Christiansen saw on a daily basis what happens to young people with too much idle time.

After the Fort Lauderdale Yankees moved out of Boggs Field in Hollywood two years ago, that facility fell into disuse. When Christiansen heard about its availability, he inquired into the possibility of renovating the building into a Police Athletic League center.

Christianson dreamed of getting the young people in Hollywood off the streets and into the PAL facility where they would become boxers, weightlifters, baseball players and better citizens in general.

One and a half years later, Christiansen`s dream appears ready to become reality.

On Jan. 15, the center will open its doors. A first-rate weight-lifting area will be in place as will a boxing ring with a former Olympian, Mike Nazario, holding court as an instructor.

``This will be a place where kids can find their dreams,`` Christiansen said. ``Whether those dreams are in boxing, baseball, karate or friendship, hopefully they`ll be able to come here and find it.``

Christiansen sees the PAL center as an alternative for gang members and juvenile delinquents. Any young person who has cut his ties to gangs will be welcomed to the club.

``I want those kids to join our PAL gang,`` Christiansen said.

The renovation has been financed in large part by federal grants and funds raised by Christianson. When the facility opens in January it will be run on a daily basis by Christianson and other police officers who volunteer. All activities and services will be free.

``The officers will be here to lend a friendly ear to the kids,`` said Christianson, who has been assigned to run the facility by the HPD. ``It puts us (police) in contact with the community on a positive basis.``

While the PAL program is geared toward sports activities, Christianson said youths not interested in sports can also participate. A game room is under construction as well as a movie area where films will be shown nightly.

``We`ll also be around for the kids who want some counseling or just want to talk,`` Christianson said.

A PAL

-- WHAT: Hollywood Police Athletic League.

-- WHERE: Boggs Field, 2310 N. 23rd Ave., Hollywood.

-- WHEN: Boxing and weightlifting parts of the facility open on Jan. 15. Hours are from 2 to 10 p.m. on school nights and 2 p.m. to midnight or 1 a.m. on weekends.